Visa Information
Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a
passport, which will remain valid during the period of stay. In
order to enter Japan, visitors usually must comply with the
conditions of their visas and authorizations of resident
eligibility. However, visa exemptions can be made for citizens of
sixty-six different countries provided that their stays are within
ninety days such as with stays for sightseeing purposes and that
they do not engage in activities where they earn compensation. This
page provides information on short stays. Revisions in visa
conditions are made periodically. Therefore, please check the “Visa”
section in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website if the
latest and detailed information on standard visas or visas other
than for those for short stay programs is needed.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
On Short Stays – Countries and regions that do not require visas
The following is a list of nationals of countries that have
“Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements” with Japan:
For a period of 90 days or less
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria(*7), Bahamas, Barbados(*6),
Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany(*7),
Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong(*3), Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland(*7), Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lesotho(*6), Liechtenstein(*7),
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao(*4), Malaysia(*1), Malta, Mauritius,
Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia(*2), Singapore,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Switzerland(*7),
Taiwan(*5), Tunisia, Turkey(*6), United Kingdom(*7), United States
and Uruguay
For a period of 15 days or less
Thailand(*2) and Brunei
(*1) For nationals of Malaysia (since July 1, 2013), visas are not
required only for holders of ePassport in compliance with ICAO
standards. Those who do not hold such ePassport are advised to
obtain a visa in advance, otherwise will be strictly examined and
may be refused entry to Japan.
(*2) For nationals of Thailand (since July 1, 2013) and Serbia
(since May 1, 2013), visas are not required only for holders of
ePassport in compliance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation
Organization) standards.
(*3) For citizens of Hong Kong, visas are not required only for
holders of Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport issued by
the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China or British
National Overseas (BNO) passports who have the right of residence in
Hong Kong.
(*4) For citizens of Macao, visas are not required only for holders
of SAR passport issued by the Macao SAR of the People’s Republic of
China.
(*5) For citizens of Taiwan, visas are not required only for holders
of Taiwan passport which includes a personal identification number.
(*6) For nationals of Barbados (since April 1, 2010), Turkey (since
April 1, 2011) and Lesotho (since April 1, 2010), visas are not
required only for holders of Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or
ePassport in compliance with ICAO standards. Those who do not hold
an MRP or ePassport are advised to obtain a visa in advance,
otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to
Japan.
(*7) For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions
permitting stays of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa
exemption arrangements, those who wish to stay in Japan for more
than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of
stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before
the period of permitted stay is to expire.
(*8) Nationals of Peru (since July 15, 1995) and Colombia (since
February 1, 2004), are advised to obtain a visa in advance,
otherwise will be strictly examined and may be refused entry to
Japan.
A “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” is usually required as permission to
stay in Japan for a period of up to 90 days for non-remunerative
activities such as sightseeing, participating in amateur sports,
visiting relatives, taking inspection tours, participating in
lectures or research, attending conferences, making business
contacts or other similar activities.
Needless to say, the “Temporary Visitor’s Visa” cannot be used for
any remunerative purposes, which involve profit making or payment
acceptance within Japan by the visitor.
Countries that require visas
Nationals of countries that do not have “Reciprocal Visa Exemption
Arrangements” with Japan must obtain a visa. Please see the
information below if you are a visitor from a country that does not
fall under the sixty-six countries with the visa exemption programs
above.
China http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/topics/china.html
Russia, CIS countries, or Georgia
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/russia_nis.html
Philippines
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/philippine.html
Other nationalities (if a visa is necessary)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/other_visa.html
To apply for a visa, please check the following link:
External:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/pdfs/procedure.pdf
As the type of documents required for the application may differ
according to the purpose of your visit, the applicant is advised to
check with the Japanese Embassy or consulate beforehand.
More information about Japan Visa, please visit
https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/basic-info/tourist-info/visa-information.html.
Announcement
Please note ICFEB is not authorized to assist with the VISA process
beyond providing the Notification of Acceptance Letter and
Invitation Letter (after registration) issued by the ICFEB Committee
Board.
Should your application be denied, ICFEB cannot change the decision
of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor will ICFEB
engage in discussion or correspondence with the MOFA or the Embassy
of Japan on behalf of the applicant. The registration fee cannot be
refunded when the VISA application of individual being denied.